Charlie T. Manuel was born in Cubao, Quezon City, Philippines, the youngest of five brothers. He was preceded in death by Pedro Manuel & Consolacion Torio, parents; Lito & Dante Manuel, brothers; Felicidad Perez, mother-in-law; Penny, dog, and other dear friends.
Also known as Chuckie, The Boss, Kuya, Dad, Daddy, Kaloy, Manong, Lolo, Bossing or Irene’s husband, Charlie was a simple and humble man who could often be found in any environment wearing his tsinelas, high socks, a t-shirt, jean shorts, and a 40+ year old belt. The only exceptions were formal events where he would always make a fashion statement with unique barongs.
He served in the U.S. Army, and after his service, worked as a medical lab technician, a registered ICU nurse at Henry Medical Center for 30+ years, and in 2015 fulfilled a dream of becoming his own boss by founding Mermaid’s Chicken Farms. A hard worker and determined man, Charlie had a generous nature, providing gifts not only to his immediate and extended family, but also to the local community in San Clemente/Tarlac where he built his farm to bring economic opportunities to others.
Charlie loved golf and enjoyed spending hours at the driving range or on the course. He would always offer tips on how to read the greens, how to use your teeth to help you putt, or gently critique your golf swing. He also loved action movies, boxing, big fireworks displays, and prime rib steak. And he always looked forward to Wednesdays because that was oyster day at Rosehill Seafood.
A self-taught musician, Charlie shined when he sang, or played the guitar or piano. He was most comfortable with a microphone in his hand, and was the perfect duet partner who could harmonize with anyone. Unchained Melody was his crowd-pleasing favorite in his repertoire, but he also filled the holidays with Christmas carols.
Among the many things Charlie is remembered for are his sense of humor and goofball antics. Without effort, Charlie could easily lighten a room with his silliness, jokes, wit, and smooth dance moves. A kid at heart, he created and blessed so many people with moments of laughter and ease.
Incessantly curious, “You Google it” became a common phrase spoken to his kids. Charlie knew that to earn anything in life would be the result of hard work and a focus on learning. A skilled chess player, he also had a mind for numbers - used not only at the hospital and in his business, but also at the craps tables at casinos in Atlantic City & Biloxi. He shared that love of learning and figuring out how things work with his family, especially his grandson.
Few of Charlie’s accolades could have been achieved without the love, devotion, and support of his wife of 43+ years, Irene. Theirs is a love that transcends any distance and any realm. Her perseverance, hard work, and steadfast caregiving complemented Charlie in all the right ways. They achieved their dreams together, working through challenges along the way with love and tenderness. After only 7 weeks of knowing one another, they secretly eloped and lovingly later brought Ryan and Charlene into the world. For his kids, he provided a foundation of strength, enabling them to independently achieve what they set their minds to. He helped build a home full of joy, laughter, love and music. There are no words in the English or Tagalog language that can truly encapsulate who he was and what he meant to so many. Though his body is at peace, his love and his memories will live on in us until we connect again.
Surviving Charlie are his wife, Irene; children, Ryan and Charlene; grandson, Mason; brothers, Nato and Bebot; sisters-in-law, Paz, Alma, Emy, and Leda; cousins, second cousins, nieces and nephews across the U.S. and the Philippines; friends from all walks of life; and 12 goats and 76,000 chickens.
For those unable to attend, there are virtual options via Facebook Live:
Friday's celebration will be streamed from 5:30 - 6:30 pm
https://www.facebook.com/StrifflerHamby/
Saturday's Mass will be streamed beginning at 10:00 am
https://www.stannechurchcsg.com/live.html
Saturday's interment at the cemetery at approximately 11:15 am
https://www.facebook.com/StrifflerHamby/
If you'd like to send flowers or plants, please send to Striffler-Hamby.
If you'd like to send donations for charity and general support, visit
https://www.gofundme.com/f/honoring-chuckie-da-man-aka-charlie
